E-Cigs came onto the market in the mid-2000′s. An electronic cigarette produced a vapor that is comprised of water, propylene glycol, flavoring, and nicotine which is subsequently inhaled by the smoker. Since the initial production of the electronic cigarette, there have also been electronic cigars, pipes, and hookahs produced by different manufacturers. Electronic cigarette products have been gaining in popularity due to the decreased cost of the product when compared to traditional tobacco as well as the elimination of the almost 4,000 toxins and carcinogens found in traditional tobacco products.

How the E-Cig Makes “Vapor”

Electronic cigarette products act as a smoking vaporizer by applying heat to a pre-mixed nicotine solution through the atomizer component. When you inhale on the electronic cigarette filter, the unit detects the airflow and automatically creates the vapor mist that is inhaled. Most of the popular e-cig brands on the market such as Green Smoke, Luci, and Blu will have an illuminated tip on the electronic cigarette that lights up when you inhale on the unit. This is simply to provide a better look and feel for the smoker when using the product.

How Safe Are E-Cigs?

Electronic cigarettes do contain nicotine which can be harmful if taken in extraordinary quantities. Other than the nicotine component, the other common components in e-cigs are propylene glycol, water, and flavoring for the vapor. Some companies such as NJoy have ceased producing flavors beyond traditional tobacco and menthol, but you can still find products which offer non-traditional tobacco flavors such as mint, chocolate, caramel, and strawberry. There still remains testing to be conducted by the FDA to verify what long term effects, if any, will be seen by users of e-cigs. We do know that they are significantly safer than traditional tobacco cigarettes by the elimination of the additives and other toxins found in traditional smokers.

The bottom line regarding electronic cigarette safety, is that if not used in moderation you could see health risks associated with nicotine usage. Other than that, there is yet to be substantial proof made on other risks associated with using the product(s).